Leeds United pulled off a major coup in landing renowned manager Marcelo Bielsa this summer. The Argentine has signed a two-year contract at Elland Road, with the option of a year’s extension.
The coach, who is well-renowned for mentoring the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino, has taken over from Paul Heckingbottom and there is a good amount of excitement in the Leeds camp.
Known for his energetic, high-pressing style, his CV boasts of spells at the helm at Argentina, Chile, Marseille, Espanyol, Athletic Bilbao and Lille. With a manager of Bielsa’s calibre, it promises to be a summer to remember for Leeds fans. But before anything else, the Whites must bolster their forces in the ongoing transfer window.
Now, Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is available for a free transfer. He recently announced that he will leave Arsenal this summer, despite being willing to take a pay cut.
The report claims that Wilshere was ready to earn reduced wages in exchange for playing regularly but he did not receive any assurances on that front. With reports suggesting that Unai Emery is harbouring an interest in Ever Banega, the Englishman’s decision does not come across as surprising.
Wilshere has run down his contract at Emirates Stadium and it only makes sense for him to move on to newer pastures.
But that leads to a lot of questions. Would Wilshere be willing to take the pay cut if he was guaranteed regular game time in an exciting side like the one Bielsa is about to create at Elland Road? Could Wilshere be the man to fire the Whites back to the Premier League? Can he survive the physicality of the gruelling Championship?
Described by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as a player with ‘Spanish technique and an English heart’, there is no doubt that Wilshere is a top talent. He has always shown encouraging signs but a series of long-term injuries hampered his development to a great extent.
At 26, however, he must play regular first-team football. And given his skills, he won’t be short of suitors with the likes of Fenerbahce, Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Everton, Wolves, Juventus, Sampdoria and AC Milan all linked.
Can Marcelo Bielsa be the man to get the best out of the player who has won plaudits from numerous fans and critics alike? Only time will tell but as things stand, this could be a blockbuster move for Leeds.
